The Economic Community of West African States has called on member states to watch for the diversion of lawfully acquired arms for illicit purposes, saying it poses a grave danger to national security.
Meanwhile, the National Centre for the Control of Small Arms and Light Weapons said it has destroyed over 17,000 unserviceable, obsolete and decommissioned weapons, as well as over 20,000 rounds of illicit ammunition, since it was established in 2021.
This was disclosed during a five-day In-Security Training on Physical Security, Stockpile Management and Property Management for National Security in Nigeria, organised by the Small Arms Division of ECOWAS in partnership with the Bonn International Centre for Conflict Studies, held in Port Harcourt on Monday.
In his address, the Acting Head, Small Arms Division, ECOWAS, Mr Abayomi Adeomi, lauded the Federal Government, the NCCSALW and the Rivers State Government for their cooperation and support in hosting the training.
Adeomi said the collaboration between ECOWAS and the Bonn International Centre for Conflict Studies has helped to translate the regional commitment of the ECOWAS Commission into practical capacity building among member states.
